Beatty also claims that UAE, and the region by large, has had a longstanding cultural connection with Australian beef and lamb, “enjoying it seasonally and at significant religious times of the year”. He credits this relationship to Australia’s trusted halal accreditation policy.
“Australia is renowned for its commitment to the strict standards required for producing halal meat and meat products. Australia’s halal accreditation systems are recognised and trusted throughout the world and we have become a leader in the processing and preparation of halal meat products. All Australian halal meat destined for Middle Eastern customers receives an official halal meat certificate signed by both the Australian Government and a recognised Islamic organisation.
“It is because of this stamp of authenticity and integrity that Middle Eastern consumers can be assured all Australian beef and lamb they enjoy is safe and wholesome and has been processed and handled in accordance with the rites of Islamic law,” Beatty tells Hotelier Middle East.
Brazilian meat exporting giant BRF has also identified the importance of the halal food industry, launching a subsidiary company dedicated to the halal market. OneFoods — previously called Sadia Halal — will be headquartered in Dubai. Patrick Rohner, currently BRF general manager in MENA, will lead it. It has operations in more than 40 countries across MENA, Europe and Asia.
BRF global CEO Pedro Faria said: “By creating a local company to consolidate our operations in Islamic markets, we moved further up the production chain to get closer to our consumers, which should support the accelerated growth of OneFoods. The subsidiary’s operations are fully integrated, which gives OneFoods a unique position in terms of production costs compared to its competitors.”
American halal meat specialist Midamar is also responding to the demand among consumers for protein-based snacks with its recently launched halal beef jerky.
The firm said the gluten- and carb-free snacks “keep people fuller for longer”. The jerky contains no MSG, no organ meat, and no fillers. “Individual packets make Midamar Halal Beef Jerky a convenient snack for packed lunches, travelling, or anytime consumers want a savoury treat,” said Sara Sayed, director of marketing and communication, Midamar.
As the GCC prepares for two massive global events — Dubai Expo 2020 and FIFA 2022 World Cup Qatar — the transient population of both short- and long-term residents will be on the rise in both countries. Dubai alone is expected to welcome close to a one million expats in 2017. And despite the trends predicted by experts in the F&B roundtable (pgs 42-47), outlets will hope this translates in to stronger footfall at their venues as the demand for meat and livestock would consequentially be on the rise.
It’s safe to conclude exporters will be relishing the opportunity to do business in the country and the region. On to Gulfood 2017 then...
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